Leeds goalkeeper arrives in a difficult position… but it’s the sort of challenge he must overcome if he ever want to be Chelsea number one.
Leeds United wrapped up the loan signing of goalkeeper Jamal Blackman yesterday, who will challenge for the club’s number one spot.
Blackman starred on loan at Sheffield United last season and Leeds is a fresh challenge for him, the toughest of his career so far.
The 24-year-old is in an unenviable position, competing with Leeds academy talent Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Peacock-Farrell broke into the first team at the end of last season and many fans feel he deserves to be the number one.
One mistake from Blackman will see calls heightened for Peacock-Farrell to be given a chance.
Blackman’s spell at Elland Road will be testing, and character building, and he will be given very little leeway for errors.
It could develop into a nightmare for him if he makes errors, as fans can be unforgiving. Just ask Felix Wiedwald.
This ruthless environment is a rough spot for Blackman to succeed in, but it’s also exactly what he needs.
Blackman’s big aspiration is to break into the Chelsea side, and perhaps even go on and represent England.
For both Chelsea and England, the pressure will be intense, even bigger than what he will experience at Leeds this season.
Chelsea have chosen shrewdly in sending him to Elland Road. It’s sink or swim.
If he can handle the pressure for 46-game season and hold off competition from the Leeds academy kid, then he has a chance of challenging at Chelsea.
Should he fail, then Chelsea have their answer. At 24, it’s time for Blackman to prove a point, and the Blues don’t want him coasting.
There is little danger of that at Elland Road.
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